Abstract:
Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are a relatively new and rapidly
developing technology; they have a wide range of applications including
environmental monitoring, agriculture, and public health. Shared
technology is a common usage model for technology adoption in developing
countries. WSNs have great potential to be utilized as a shared resource
due to their on-board processing and ad-hoc networking capabilities,
however their deployment as a shared resource requires that the technical
community first address several challenges. The main challenges include
enabling sensor portability - the frequent movement of sensors within and
between deployments, and rapidly deployable systems - systems that are
quick and simple to deploy. We first discuss the feasibility of using
sensor networks as a shared resource, and then describe our research in
addressing the various technical challenges that arise in enabling such
sensor portability and rapid deployment. We also outline our experiences
in developing and deploying water quality monitoring wireless sensor
networks in Bangladesh and California.